Episode 17: "A Storm Unleashed"

The storm outside matched the storm brewing in Zavier’s mind. As he stood by the window, the darkness of the sky mirrored his thoughts. Adrian’s cryptic warning still echoed in his ears. Elia sat on the bed, her eyes filled with concern, though she tried to mask it with a calm demeanor.

Zavier ran a hand through his hair, turning to face her. “We need to leave. Adrian wasn’t lying. If they’re coming after me, they’ll be after you, too. It’s not safe here.”

Elia stood up, her eyes meeting his with unwavering determination. “I’m not running, Zavier. You don’t have to protect me anymore. I’m in this with you, no matter what.”

A Visit from the Past 🚪

Before Zavier could respond, there was a sharp knock on the door. His instincts kicked in, his hand almost instinctively going for the gun in his jacket. He motioned for Elia to stay behind him, his body tense.

“Who is it?” Zavier called out.

“It’s me,” came Adrian’s voice, smooth and nonchalant. “Open the door.”

Zavier narrowed his eyes but opened it, finding Adrian leaning casually against the doorframe, his expression unreadable.

“You shouldn’t be here,” Zavier growled, but Adrian stepped past him into the room without invitation.

“I came to give you a warning. You don’t have much time,” Adrian said, his eyes flicking over to Elia before settling on Zavier. “They’re already here. They’ve been tracking you for days. You have an hour—maybe two—before they close in on this place.”

Elia’s heart skipped a beat. “Who’s after us? And why?” Her voice was shaky but filled with determination.

Adrian turned his sharp gaze to her. “It’s not just Zavier they’re after. You’re a target too now. You’re tangled up in his mess whether you like it or not.”

Zavier clenched his fists, his anger simmering. “You’ve got one minute, Adrian. I don’t trust you.”

Adrian shrugged, unfazed. “Time’s ticking, Zavier. You don’t have time for old grudges.”

The Escape Plan 🏃‍♂️✈️

Zavier’s mind raced. He knew they had to get out of there, but the thought of running again, leaving everything behind, left a bitter taste in his mouth. Still, his love for Elia and his need to protect her outweighed everything else.

“We’ll leave the city. I’ve got a plane waiting. Elia, pack whatever you need,” Zavier ordered. He didn’t even need to look at her to know she was already moving.

Adrian smirked. “Always the escape artist, huh? Well, don’t think you’re going without me. I know the game, and trust me—you’ll need my help if you want to survive.”

Zavier turned on him, his jaw tightening. “Last time you betrayed me. If you’re playing games again, I’ll handle you myself.”

Adrian raised his hands mockingly. “You’ll be too busy with the real enemies to worry about me.”

Zavier glanced at Elia, who gave him a reassuring smile. “We’re in this together,” she said softly, making him feel like he could take on the world.

Memories of the Past 🌙

As they packed, Zavier couldn’t help but recall the many nights he and Adrian had spent in the heat of battle—fighting side by side, trusting each other, until the betrayal that tore them apart. Adrian’s smirk from those days haunted him, reminding him of how quickly someone you trust can turn their back on you.

“Don’t think you can trust him,” Zavier muttered to himself, but Elia’s gentle hand on his arm pulled him back to reality.

The Fight for Survival 💥🚗

The moment they stepped out of the hotel, it was clear something was wrong. Dark SUVs sped toward them, blocking the street.

Zavier’s senses went into overdrive. “Stay behind me,” he ordered Elia, his body already moving into a defensive position.

Adrian stepped forward with a grin. “This is what I’ve been waiting for.” He cracked his knuckles, ready for action.

Without a word, a fight broke out. Zavier and Adrian fought side by side, old instincts kicking in. Punches and kicks were exchanged, the sounds of grunts and blows echoing in the night air. Zavier’s mind was focused entirely on the threat before them, but his thoughts of Elia never faltered. Every punch, every dodge, was calculated for her safety.

Elia ducked behind a car, her heart pounding as the chaos erupted around her. Gunfire rang out, but Zavier and Adrian were too fast. They made a deadly team despite their differences.

Adrian kicked one of the attackers to the ground. “Let’s finish this!” he yelled, rushing forward.

Zavier, moving with precision, took out another man with a swift blow. He turned to Adrian. “This is the last time we work together, Blackstone.”

Adrian laughed, unfazed by Zavier’s anger. “You’re welcome, by the way.”

The Plane Awaits 🛫

They fought their way through the street, finally reaching a secluded alley where a private jet awaited them. Zavier held Elia’s hand tightly as they ran toward the plane.

Adrian hopped into the pilot’s seat, winking. “Let’s get out of here. You won’t regret having me around.”

As the plane took off, leaving Istanbul’s skyline behind, Zavier’s mind raced. What awaited them on the other side? Would this be the beginning of the end for the shadows that haunted him—or the start of a new chapter in a battle he couldn’t escape?

Elia looked at Zavier, her voice steady but filled with emotion. “Where are we going now?”

Zavier pulled her close, his arms around her. “Wherever we need to go to end this. Together.”

End of Episode 17 ✨

Episode 17 Highlights 🌟

The Heartfelt Confession: Zavier opens up to Elia, revealing his deepest fears and vulnerabilities about losing her, making the moment intensely emotional. 💖

Adrian’s Internal Conflict: Adrian struggles with his growing feelings for Elia, torn between his loyalty to Zavier and his attraction to her. 😔💔

The Night of Tension: As the trio stays in a luxurious yet hidden location, tensions rise between Zavier and Adrian, their rivalry becoming more intense as emotions flare. ⚔️🔥

Danger Looms Closer: The arrival of unexpected visitors forces Zavier, Elia, and Adrian to go on the run again, escalating the stakes and urgency. 😱

Elia’s Unexpected Role: Elia, more confident and assertive, steps up to help Zavier and Adrian strategize their escape, showing growth and strength in the face of adversity. 💪

A Flashback to the Past: A poignant flashback shows Zavier and Elia’s first meeting, highlighting how far they’ve come since that moment. ✨

Adrian’s Protectiveness: Adrian risks his own safety to shield Elia from danger, solidifying his role as an important ally in their fight for survival. 🛡️

A Dangerous Decision: Zavier makes a bold move to confront the person behind the attacks, setting the stage for a final showdown. ⚡

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